Related News/Archive

A bit of brogue comes to Dale Mabry Highway with the opening of the Tilted Kilt, a Celtic-themed sports pub moving into the space of the Thomasville furniture store that closed in October in the Grand Plaza shopping center.

The first Tilted Kilt opened in Las Vegas in 2003 and quickly became recognized for its servers clad in knee-high socks, short plaid kilts and matching plaid halter tops worn under white shirts.

One of the founders, John Reynaud, is opening the spot in Carrollwood.

"A cold beer never looked so good," said Reynaud. "We combine sex appeal with a very upscale and warm environment, serving a wide-ranging menu along with showing all the sports packages on plasma and big-screen TVs."

Reynaud said he scoured Tampa and chose Carrollwood because "the area is starving for a fun, clean place to hang out with good food, good prices and cold beer."

In addition to stouts, lagers and drafts, the menu includes the 10-ounce Kick Arse Burger ($8.49, including fries), Danny Boy's Shepherd's Pie ($11.99) and TK Signature Wings ($8.99, including fries).

Reynaud said he hopes to open the site at 14457 North Dale Mabry Highway in February. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. For more information, see www.tiltedkilt.com.

Coal-fired pizza, more coming to Dale Mabry

Owners promise a "well-done pizza" at Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, soon to open at 13020 North Dale Mabry Highway.

The secret, said Ben Novello, is in the ingredients and cooking the pizzas in 800-degree, coal-burning ovens.

"You haven't tried authentic pizza until you've had coal-fired pizza," said Novello, area developer for Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza of West Florida.

In addition to pizza, menu favorites include coal-oven-roasted chicken wings with caramelized onions and focaccia, and Anthony's Italian salad.

The atmosphere consists of dark wood tables with no tablecloths, and black and white photos of John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe and the Rat Pack lining the walls. Company founder Anthony Bruno selects all the background music, including hits from Frank Sinatra and the Beatles.

No need to keep circling the parking lot thinking you just missed it. After 25 years in the same Carrollwood location, Bookswap has moved.

Now owned by Cynthia Floyd, the shop has the same policy for trading in books. Patrons may bring in gently used books or audio books. If the condition is acceptable and the book is one that Bookswap needs, a credit will be issued that can be used toward Bookswap used books and audio books. The in-store credit never expires.

Bookswap is now at 13144 N Dale Mabry. The store is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 Sunday. For information, call 963-6979.

Know of a business that just opened, closed or moved? Contact reporter Sheryl Kay at skreporter@hotmail.com or call (813) 230-8788.